Holland America Line: A Shipload of Exciting Cruise News!
If these words conjure memories of carefree days and elegant shipboard evenings under star-filled skies, you’ve likely “savored the journey” aboard a Holland America ship…and now, after a landlocked year, the 148-year-old cruise line is giving us, the vacation-starved, exciting new ways to travel the world the way we love to: By land and, most importantly, by sea.
“Have It All” On Your Next Cruise!: You can “have it all” on your next Holland America sailing with a money-saving package that includes shore excursions, a drinks package, specialty dining and wifi at a savings of 50% off the cost of purchasing separate packages. Shore Excursions and specialty dining are determined based on length of voyage with programs available for 6-9 day, 10-20 day and 21+ day sailings. The approximate price for booking the premium package is $45 per person, per day above base fare.
And while “Have it All” is an optional program, its early popularity suggests that Holland America just might become an all-inclusive line in the not-so-distant future!
A New Rotterdam…Lucky 7: After a year of dismal cruise headlines, the launch of Holland America’s all-new Rotterdam is music to our ears! Literally, in fact! This 2,668-guest, 99,500 grt Pinnacle Class masterpiece reflects a musical theme throughout with a special focus on entertainment that appeals to lovers of every music genre. Whether you’re crazy about classical, a rock maniac or somewhere in between, you’ll surely be singing the praises of Rotterdam VII’s live music venues–Rolling Stone Rock Room, B.B. King’s Blues Club, Lincoln Center Stage and Billboard On Board as well as a 270-degree surround-sound World Stage.
The ship, which will be delivered July 30, 2021, becomes the fleet’s new flagship and for good reason: it was the iconic Rotterdam that launched the Holland America line 150 years ago. And, in an exciting nod to tradition and the line’s upcoming 150th anniversary, Rotterdam VII will follow its European debut season with a gala 15-day crossing from Rotterdam to Fort Lauderdale that will recreate her namesake’s original maiden voyage!
On October 15, 2022, exactly 150 years after the original Rotterdam’s maiden voyage, Rotterdam VII sails from Rotterdam to New York City with calls at Le Havre, France (for Paris) and Plymouth, England before crossing the Atlantic and arriving in New York City on October 26th for an overnight stay before continuing to Fort Lauderdale (or disembark in New York for a 12-day crossing). Expect a gala, once-in-a-lifetime celebration throughout the crossing, along with special events that will immerse guests in Holland America history.
150 Years…And Going Strong!: Rotterdam VII’s sesquicentennial Atlantic crossing isn’t the only celebration that will mark Holland America’s 150th anniversary!
While the line celebrates its anniversary each year, the upcoming 150th will surely be special and a spectacular line-up of events—on land and sea—will be announced in the months ahead.
All Over the World!: Holland America is one of the only lines that sails to all seven continents on the globe, and this year—yes, even this year—all seven continents will receive visits from Holland America ships. From European, Asian, Mexican, Caribbean, South American, Antarctic, and Australian sailings (and even a close-to-home 7-day California coast itinerary) guests have a world of choice when planning their return to cruising.
And 2022 holds great news for Boston! Next year, Holland America adds a 24-day round-trip sailing from Boston that includes calls in New England, Canada, and Greenland along with a complete circumnavigation of Iceland, along with a handful of 10 and 11-day Canada and New England itineraries.
The Last Frontier…Even In 2021! The impact of Covid 19 and Canada’s cruise ship ban has resulted in the cancellation of most cruise lines’ 2021 Alaska sailings. As a result, this region—for 70 years, one of Holland America’s most popular destinations—is missing from the 2021 itinerary line-up. While still hoping to reach an agreement with the CDC that will enable Holland America to sail round trip from Seattle this year, the situation remains uncertain.
But there is no need to give up on a 2021 visit to the Last Frontier! Holland America is offering travelers a range of Alaska land tour, lodging and sightseeing options, including stays at the Holland America-owned McKinley Chalet Resort in Denali National Park and Preserve and the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge overlooking the Kenai River. With the absence of Alaska cruising, however, these land tours, are proving very popular so space is limited.
With a money-saving premium package, a dazzling new flagship, spectacular global itineraries, an incredible anniversary milestone and Alaska land tours, Holland America is bringing cruise fans a shipload of spectacular ways to “savor the journey.” Story courtesy of Judi Cuervo
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